Now equipped with 10 new captive bolt stunners and cartridges, WACPAW/EonA got right into the field. Our first training this week on humane stunning took place at Geomatela pig farm in Somanya, in Ghana’s eastern region.
Around 100 pigs here are slaughtered each week, and because there are not enough pigs on site, most animals are purchased from other farmers.
Before our visit, pigs were killed by repeated blows to the head with a heavy wooden club (see photo), as is common in Ghana and many other countries all over the world. This method causes intense suffering and prolonged fear, as the first blows do not usually render the animal unconscious. The club is used not out of intent to be cruel, but because humane stunning equipment like captive bolt stunners are not produced in, or readily available in, Ghana.
During our visit, we witnessed severe animal stress during unloading, weighing and handling, as well as the absence of proper restraint. These conditions make calm handling impossible.
The staff, and even some clients who found it distressing to witness the use of the club, were visibly relieved when we introduced a proper stunner. For the first time, pigs could be rendered unconscious immediately and effectively before bleeding, sparing them extreme pain and panic from the club.
The staff expressed strong support for the training and committed to using our captive bolt stunner before every slaughter. They acknowledged the suffering we pointed out and showed a genuine willingness to improve.
Overall, the training clearly demonstrated how much animal suffering can be reduced, and how quickly, when people are given the right knowledge and humane tools. It also highlights the urgency of this work in countries where such equipment is simply not available or economically feasible to import.
